Waxed hardwood floors offer an unmatched warmth and classic elegance to any home. However, their beauty requires a little extra care to preserve their lustrous finish. Unlike other hardwood floor finishes, waxed floors need special cleaning methods to prevent damage and keep them shining.
In this guide, I will uncover the secrets to cleaning your waxed hardwood floors and keeping them looking their best.
Key Takeaways:
- Waxed floors require special, gentle cleaning techniques.
- Minimize water use – dry mopping is your best everyday method.
- Use cleaners designed for waxed floors or a very mild DIY solution.
Table of Contents
- Identifying a Waxed Hardwood Floor
- Everyday Cleaning for Waxed Floors
- Deeper Cleaning: What to Use
- Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process
- Additional Maintenance Tips
Identifying a Waxed Hardwood Floor
Before we start cleaning, it's crucial to confirm whether you do indeed have waxed hardwood floors. This will dictate the entire cleaning process! Here's how to tell the difference:
- Look and Feel: Waxed floors typically have a softer sheen compared to the high-gloss finish of polyurethane or other sealants. When you run your hand over it, a waxed floor may feel slightly textured or even a bit 'tacky.'
- The Water Test: Place a few drops of water on an inconspicuous part of your floor. If the water beads up and sits on the surface, you likely have a polyurethane or other sealed finish. However, if the water absorbs into the wood, it's a sign of a wax finish.
Why Identifying Matters: Using harsh cleaners, steam mops, or even excessive water on a waxed floor can strip the wax, damage the wood, and leave it looking dull and neglected. The specialized cleaning methods we'll cover are designed to preserve that beautiful waxed finish.
Everyday Cleaning for Waxed Floors
The key to maintaining the shine and protecting your waxed hardwood floors is regular, gentle cleaning. This helps prevent dirt and grit from building up and dulling the finish or causing scratches. Here's your routine:
- Dusting and Dry Mopping: Your best friend is a soft microfiber dust mop. Aim to dust mop your floors daily or every other day. Microfiber's gentle fibers effectively trap dirt without scratching the wax.
- Vacuuming: If preferred, a vacuum cleaner can be used, but with caution. Ensure it has a 'hard floor' setting and a soft brush attachment to avoid damage.
- Addressing Spills: Act fast! Accidents happen, but any spilled liquids should be wiped up immediately with a slightly damp cloth (think damp, not dripping wet). Immediately follow up with a dry cloth to prevent any moisture from lingering on the wax.
Even for everyday cleaning, it's best to avoid excessive water on your waxed floors. Water can eventually work its way into the wood and damage it from within. Stick with dry cleaning methods as your primary approach.
Deeper Cleaning: What to Use
Even with regular dusting and dry mopping, your waxed hardwood floors will occasionally need a deeper cleaning to remove built-up grime and restore their shine. Here's what you should (and shouldn't) use:
- Specialized Cleaners: The safest bet is to use a commercial cleaner specifically designed for waxed hardwood floors. These pH-neutral solutions gently clean without harming the wax finish. Look for options at your local home improvement store.
- DIY Solution: If you prefer a homemade approach, a very mild solution of dish soap in warm water can work. Use a tiny amount of soap (a few drops in a gallon of water) and be sure to test this in a discreet spot first.
- What to Avoid: Harsh chemicals, vinegar, ammonia, and steam cleaners are your waxed floor's worst enemies. These can strip away the wax, leaving your floors dull, vulnerable to damage, and in need of re-waxing sooner than necessary.
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process
When it's time to give your waxed hardwood floors a thorough cleaning, follow these steps for the best results:
- Prep Work: Thoroughly dust mop or vacuum your floor to remove any loose dirt and debris. This prevents scratchy particles from being dragged around during the wet cleaning process.
- Mix Your Solution: Prepare your cleaning solution, whether it's a commercial product (following the label's directions) or your mild DIY mixture.
- Damp Mop, Not Wet Mop: Dip your mop (a microfiber mop is ideal) into the solution, wring it out until it's just barely damp, and start mopping in small sections. The goal is to lightly clean, not soak the floor.
- Wipe Dry Immediately: Follow directly behind your damp mop with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe up any excess moisture as you work to prevent water from seeping into the wood or interfering with the wax finish.
- No Standing Water: Never allow any amount of liquid to sit or puddle on your waxed floors.
Remember: Even for a deeper cleaning, moderation with water is key for preserving your waxed hardwood floors!
Additional Maintenance Tips
Along with your cleaning routine, these simple habits will go a long way in keeping your waxed hardwood floors looking beautiful:
- Doormats are Your Friends: Place doormats at all entrances, both outside and inside. This helps trap dirt, sand, and moisture before they have a chance to make their way onto your floors.
- Protect from Furniture: Use felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent scratches and gouges. It's best to lift heavy furniture when moving it, rather than dragging it across the wax.
- Mind the Sun: Direct sunlight can cause fading of the wax and even the wood itself. Use curtains or blinds to limit harsh light during peak hours.
- To Re-wax or not to: Depending on wear and tear, you may need to re-wax your floors periodically. Look for signs like dullness, stubborn marks, or if the water test shows the wax is no longer protective.
If you're unsure about how often to re-wax or need help with the process, it's always a good idea to consult a professional hardwood flooring specialist.